Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks

5 from 34 votes

Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks

These honey soy chicken drumsticks are addictive to eat. Cooked in soy and balsamic glaze. They are a perfect treat for outdoor parties.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian

Servings: ( per 2/ person)

Calories: 257.94kcal

Author: Maureen Celestine

Equipment

air fryer

Ingredients

14 medium chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs )
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
½ teaspoon chicken powder
Cooking spray

For the sauce

¼ cup unsalted butter
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons ground ginger (fresh is fine)
3½ tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
½ cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Sesame seed, scallions, and herbs to garnish

Instructions

FOR THE CHICKEN

Pat dry the chicken with a paper towel.
Place drumsticks in a bowl or a plastic bag and drizzle with olive oil. Toss or massage the bag to incorporate the oil over the chicken.
Sprinkle kosher salt, ground black pepper, and chicken powder over drumsticks. Give the bag/bowl a few tosses to coat the drumsticks.
Preheat the air fryer at 400°F for 8 minutes with the basket intact.
Place drumsticks in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes. Flip the drumsticks using a kitchen tong and cook for 8-9 minutes more.
Insert a meat thermometer on the thick part of the drumstick close to the bone to make sure the chicken is cooked through. The thermometer should read 165° up. If it reads less, cook for 5-6 minutes more. The chicken is cooked when the juice runs clear.
(broil for 5 minutes if you want a crispier chicken)

FOR THE STICKY SAUCE

In a large skillet pan, combine the ginger, honey, balsamic vinegar, soy, water, and cornstarch. Set aside.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, and cook until fragrant. Whisk in the soy mixture into the skillet pan and cook for about a minute or until the sauce is slightly thickened.
Using a wooden spoon or kitchen tong, coat the mix all over the chicken, covering every piece. Let sit on the stove for 1-2 minutes, and remove from heat. Garnish with scallions or sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

NOTES:

If you want more sauce to eat with rice, noodles, or other grains, add a cup of water or more to the soy mix, and adjust the taste.

I forgot to thaw the drumsticks, what do I do now?

Dump the drumsticks in the heated air fryer, and cook at 400°F for 15 minutes, flip them, season and continue to bake for another 10-12 minutes depending on the size of the chicken.

Please note that the cooking time depends on the weight and size of the drumsticks. Internal temperature should register 165°F for doneness. Continue cooking if the cooking time has elapsed and the chicken hasn’t reached the recommended doneness. All air fryers are not made the same, be patient.

Nutrition